We Ranked The 12 Best Pizza Places In Illinois And These Are The Ones That Made The Cut

One Illinois pizzeria on this list traces its story to 1921. That’s seven years before sliced bread showed up in stores.

Another one has been serving thin, crispy pies since 1926. A third bakes its pizzas in ovens that have been seasoned since the 1930s. I love that kind of staying power.

The newer names hold their own, too. One famous pan pizza gets a ring of cheese pressed around the edge, and it bakes into a dark, crunchy crown. Then there’s the style question.

Deep dish, tavern squares, wood-fired rounds, Quad City strips, and St. Louis thin crust all fight for attention across the state.

That’s a lot of crust for one ranking. I picked twelve, and I’m already curious which slice you’d defend first in a friendly family argument.

1. Pequod’s Pizza

Somebody looked at a pan pizza and decided the edge deserved its own spotlight. That idea became the caramelized cheese crust, and it puts this Lincoln Park favorite at number one.

The trick sounds simple, but it’s pretty brilliant. Cheese gets pressed along the rim of the pan, then bakes into a dark, crispy, chewy border.

Pequod’s calls its style pan pizza, a close cousin of classic Chicago deep dish. The pies bake in cast iron pans, so the outside turns crisp while the inside stays soft and chewy.

Here’s a fun bit of history for you. The original Pequod’s opened in Morton Grove in 1970, and this Chicago location arrived in 1992.

TV fans might recognize the name, too. The restaurant showed up in season two of FX’s The Bear, which only added to the buzz.

Timing matters if you want to eat without a long wait. Weekend evenings get packed, so making a reservation for lunch or dinner is a smart move.

Night owls, good news is coming your way. The kitchen stays open until 2 AM Monday through Saturday and until midnight on Sunday.

Bringing the kids along for the ride? High chairs and a kids’ menu help, and the personal pan pizza works nicely for smaller appetites.

Takeout and delivery are options if your couch is calling. Still, that crunchy cheese edge is hard to beat at the table.

Address: 2207 N Clybourn Ave, Chicago, IL 60614

2. Lou Malnati’s Pizzeria

Butter in a pizza crust sounds like a dare. At this family-owned Chicago legend, it’s the whole point.

The signature Buttercrust is what made the name famous. It bakes up flaky and golden, holding a thick layer of cheese and chunky tomato sauce on top.

The family story goes back decades. Lou and Jean Malnati opened their first pizzeria in Lincolnwood on March 17, 1971.

Today the brand has spread across the Chicago area, and this South Loop spot sits right on State Street. That makes it an easy stop if you’re exploring downtown on foot.

Deep dish is the star, but the menu goes well beyond it. You’ll find Lou’s Bruschetta, which happens to be vegan, plus Calamari Fritti and Mozzarella Bites.

Pasta lovers can grab the Penne Ala Malnati. The Chicken Louie is another option if someone in your group wants a break from pizza.

Deep dish takes time to bake, so a little patience helps. Waits are common on weekend evenings and Sunday nights, too.

In a hurry? Curbside pickup and delivery let you skip the table and still get that buttery crust.

Families will find high chairs and a kids’ menu here. It’s a solid pick for a first taste of real Illinois deep dish.

Address: 805 S State St, Chicago, IL 60605

3. Lino’s | Italian

A Leaning Tower in Rockford? Close enough, at least when it comes to the decor at this Italian dining room on East State Street.

Lino’s leans into Italy with Pisa-inspired touches and an eclectic look. It’s the kind of place that makes a regular Tuesday dinner feel like a small event.

The pizza has a pretty unusual secret. Its house-aged pizza cheese is made with milk sourced from local Amish farms, giving the restaurant’s pizzas their distinctive flavor.

That makes leftovers a lot more exciting than usual. Cold pizza for breakfast just got an upgrade.

Pizza is the headliner, but the supporting cast is strong. Gnocchi, sausage, Veal Parmigiana, and garlic bread all have fans of their own.

Got a big group or a birthday to plan? Private dining rooms are available, and reservations are recommended for dinner.

Live music adds some fun to the room on certain nights. It’s a nice bonus if you like a little background sound with your slice.

Doors open at 4:30 PM, so this is a dinner destination. Friday and Saturday evenings are the busiest times to visit.

Dog owners, here’s a sweet perk. Pups are allowed in the outdoor seating area, and there’s plenty of free parking on site.

Address: 5611 E State St, Rockford, IL 61108

4. Woodfire Rockford

Exposed industrial style meets a roaring wood oven in downtown Rockford. The result is one of the best thin-crust options in northern Illinois.

Woodfire bakes its pizzas in a dedicated wood-burning oven. That heat gives the crust a thin, crispy bite that pairs well with a tangy sauce.

The fresh mozzarella deserves a shout-out. On the margherita, it lands in big, creamy chunks with a nice salty edge.

Craving something meatier? The Sausage and Mushroom pizza is a crowd favorite, and the Caprese Pizza works for vegetarians.

Pasta here is made in-house, which is a real treat. Look for the Fusilli or the Vodka Rigatoni, which is vegan.

Speaking of vegan, the whole menu has plant-based options. Tuscan Fries and Bruschetta are both vegan too.

Two starters sound almost too fun to skip. The Havarti Stuffed Coccoli and the Meatball Gigante both make great table shares.

Plan around the schedule, because Sundays are closed. Monday through Saturday, the kitchen runs from 11 AM to 9 PM.

Parking downtown can be a bit tricky, so give yourself a few extra minutes. Reservations are accepted if you want to lock in a table.

Address: 408 E State St, Rockford, IL 61104

5. Agatucci’s Restaurant

Back in 1926, this Peoria family business began operating at its current location as a grocery store before eventually becoming a restaurant. Nearly a century later, the thin crust is still the main reason people show up.

Agatucci’s is a family-owned Italian restaurant with a long memory. The dining room feels packed with nostalgia, and that history is part of the charm.

So what makes the pizza special? The crust is very thin and crunchy, with buttery cheese on top.

It’s a style built for people who love a good snap in each bite. No forks needed here.

Spaghetti has a loyal following, too. If your crew can’t agree, order both and share.

Here’s a clever option for busy nights. You can grab pizza fully baked to go or half-baked to finish in your own oven.

That second choice is handy for game nights or surprise guests. Your kitchen smells amazing, and the crust stays crisp.

Watch the calendar before you go, because Monday and Tuesday are closed. The doors open at 5 PM the rest of the week.

Friday and Saturday evenings bring the biggest crowds. Reservations are accepted, and curbside pickup works if you’d rather eat at home.

Address: 2607 N University St, Peoria, IL 61604

6. TOP HAT PIZZA

Pizza cut into strips with scissors? Welcome to the Quad Cities, where the local style plays by its own rules.

Quad City pizza is known for a malty crust, a spiced sauce, and toppings tucked under the cheese. It’s then cut into long strips instead of triangles.

Top Hat Pizza in Moline specializes in this regional style. Fresh cheese and a homemade sauce help it stand out.

Deep dish fans aren’t left out either. The shop also makes deep-dish pies for anyone who wants a thicker bite.

Eating vegan or cutting carbs? Top Hat offers a full vegan menu plus low-carb picks, including the Pizza Bowl.

The Cheese Lovers and Margherita come in a small 10-inch size. That’s perfect if you’re flying solo or testing a new flavor.

Want something heartier? Try the Meat Lover, the Bacon Cheeseburger, or a Topping Calzone, with Chicken Wings on the side.

Think of this as a pickup and delivery spot. Counter service and curbside pickup keep things quick and simple.

Hours start in the late afternoon, usually 4 PM, and 3 PM on Sundays. Free parking makes grabbing your order an easy errand.

Address: 1509 15th St, Moline, IL 61265

7. The Lucca Grill

Some pizza traditions only get better with age, and this Bloomington restaurant has been serving customers since 1936. That’s a lot of practice for one pizza.

The Lucca Grill has served Italian-American food in downtown Bloomington since 1936. The old-school room, with its tin ceiling and antique woodwork, feels like a trip back in time.

The thin-crust pizza is the reason to go. It’s crispy, generously topped, and nicely balanced between crust, cheese, and sauce.

Don’t sleep on the starters. The garlic cheese bread comes with a chunky marinara for dipping.

Adventurous eaters can try the Chicken Livers, a classic you won’t spot on many menus. Fried Ravioli and Spinach Artichoke Dip are easier crowd-pleasers.

Salad fans should ask about the homemade Italian dressing. It’s a small detail that people remember.

Craving something besides pizza? Chicken Parmesan and Italian Sausage both bring hearty comfort.

Sunday evenings and Friday nights get busy, so plan ahead. Reservations are recommended for dinner.

Families are welcome, with high chairs and a kids’ menu ready to go. Free parking nearby makes the visit easy.

Address: 116 E Market St, Bloomington, IL 61701

8. Quatro’s Deep Pan Pizza

College towns take pizza seriously, and Carbondale is no exception. Down near the bottom of Illinois, this deep pan spot is a local fixture.

Quatro’s serves Chicago-style deep pan pizza with a thick crust and plenty of cheese. The edges get crispy and cheesy, which is a big part of the appeal.

The sauce leans slightly sweet. Toppings are generous, so one slice can feel like a full meal.

Look for creative pies like Chicken Bacon Ranch and Chicken Alfredo. The Meateater Bonanza is aimed squarely at big appetites.

Feeling bold? There’s even a Quatro’s Challenge Pizza on the menu, loaded with sausage, pepperoni, mushrooms, onions, green peppers, and extra cheese.

Here’s a fun local quirk. The Famous Yellow Cup Fountain Drinks are a menu item all on their own.

Thin crust, pasta, sandwiches, and salads round things out. That gives picky eaters plenty of options.

Reservations aren’t accepted, and weekend evenings get crowded. A drive-through and delivery help when you’d rather skip the wait.

The doors stay open from 11 AM to 10 PM daily. Free parking is usually easy to find.

Address: 218 W Freeman St, Carbondale, IL 62901

9. Sapori Pizzeria & Italian Market

Lunch and grocery shopping in one stop? Springfield’s Sapori pulls off that double duty with a pizzeria and an Italian market under one roof.

The pizza menu covers a lot of ground. You’ll find wood-fired pies along with regional styles from other pizza cities.

Detroit-style fans should zero in on the Detroit Tomato Marinara. It’s a vegetarian pick that shows off the thick, square format.

Only want a slice? The BYO Slice lets you build your own, which is great for quick lunches.

Soup and sandwich lovers have options, too. The vegan Tomato Basil Soup and the Meatball Sub are both popular.

Grab some Focaccia Bread while you’re here. It’s vegan and makes an easy side for the table.

The market side adds extra fun. Browse while you wait, and you might leave with dinner plans for tomorrow.

Ordering happens at the counter, and reservations aren’t taken. Expect a line at busy times, especially Friday evenings.

Tuesday is the day off, so plan around it. The rest of the week runs 11 AM to 8 PM, with outdoor seating and easy parking.

Address: 1941 W Iles Ave, Springfield, IL 62704

10. Cannova’s Pizzeria

Galena’s Main Street already feels like a history lesson. Cannova’s fits right in, with a rustic parlor that has been serving pizza on Galena’s historic Main Street since 1994.

The thin crust gets the most love here. Homemade pizzas come with some creative toppings that go beyond the usual.

Prefer a heavier pie? The Stuffed Pizza is a vegetarian option that brings serious weight to the table.

Start with Garlic Bread with Mozzarella or Bruschetta. A Simple Salad keeps things light before the main event.

Picky eaters can relax with Buttered Penne. Chicken Parmesan is another hearty choice.

Save room, because dessert is a big deal. The tiramisu has a strong reputation, and the Creme Brulee Cheesecake sounds equally tempting.

Here’s a thoughtful touch you don’t see often. Cannova’s offers a braille menu for guests who need it.

The room is small and on the quiet side. Reservations help, especially on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday evenings.

Wednesdays are closed, and dinner service starts in the late afternoon. Street parking downtown can be tight, so plan a short stroll.

Address: 247 N Main St, Galena, IL 61036

11. Maurie’s Table

Can’t decide between thin crust and deep dish? Maurie’s Table in Joliet happily serves both, so nobody at your table has to lose the argument.

This laid-back, tavern-like spot leans into Chicago-style pizza. Fresh ingredients and a well-loved sauce help each pie shine.

The thin crust comes out crispy and hot. The Thin Crust Everything Pizza is the move if you can’t pick just one topping.

Deep dish fans get their turn, too. It’s a family-friendly favorite for big weekend dinners.

There’s a local angle that’s easy to appreciate. The restaurant buys local products whenever it can.

Starters keep things classic. Garlic Bread and Breaded Mozzarella Stix are perfect for snacking while you wait.

Hearty sandwiches are also on the menu. That’s handy for anyone who wants something besides pizza.

Planning a party? A private dining room is available, and reservations are accepted.

Mondays are closed, and weekdays open at 3 PM. Weekends start at noon, with free parking usually easy to find.

Address: 2360 Glenwood Ave, Joliet, IL 60435

12. Decaro’s

Alton sits just across the river from St. Louis, and you can taste it in the pizza. Square cuts and a thin crust give this one a true St. Louis accent.

DeCaro’s is a family-owned Italian restaurant with a menu full of local favorites. The St. Louis-style pizza is baked thin and cut into squares.

Then come the regional classics. Toasted ravioli, often called toasted ravs, arrive crispy and fried.

Gooey butter cake is the dessert to know. It’s a St. Louis-area treat, and it fits right in here.

The house salad comes with a creamy Italian dressing. It’s a nice match for a crispy square of pizza.

Cheese bread lovers have choices. Try the Garlic Cheese Bread, the Pepperoni Cheese Bread, or Bosco Sticks.

Risotto Balls make a fun starter for sharing. Pasta fans can go for Pesto Penne or Chicken Alfredo.

Sandwiches round out the menu, too. That makes it an easy pick for lunch on a busy day.

Sundays close early at 3 PM, so plan a lunch visit. It’s a tasty way to end any Illinois pizza road trip.

Address: 602 E 3rd St, Alton, IL 62002